Celebrity Makeup Artist Effie Inigo's Go-To Picks for Natural, Everyday Makeup

I sweat easily and fast, so I always opt for a sunscreen that's lightweight and easy to apply. I don't like the feeling of sticky skin or a heavy, greasy face, especially when I'm already sweating. This one is waterproof and sweat-resistant, blends without leaving a white cast, and works across oily, dry, or combination skin. It sits well under makeup and helps create a fresh-looking base. And let's be honest, the Philippines isn't exactly the coolest country, so having a sunscreen that feels comfortable and lightweight throughout the day is a must for me.

I'm already 46, so this product is very beneficial for me. On days when my skin feels rough or scaly, this serum instantly smoothens it. It's a good (and cheaper) alternative to La Mer's The Concentrate, plus it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving elasticity. I can use it before makeup because it's lightweight and fast-absorbing, and I've noticed it helps create a smooth, plump, non-sticky canvas before I put anything else on. Best of all, it gives my skin just the right amount of radiance and dewiness, so even with makeup on, my skin still looks fresh, healthy, and naturally glowing.

I’ve kept this in both my work and personal makeup kits for 20 years. It’s popular and iconic for good reason. This product is versatile: you can use a powder brush or a wet or dry sponge to apply it, depending on the coverage and finish you want. It works as a medium-to-full foundation on its own, or you can use it lightly as a setting powder to control oil.

Over the past 20 years, I’ve watched the formula become lighter and more natural-looking compared to the original heavy, matte version. I think this change is a big improvement. The compact is refillable, so when I run out, I just buy the refill pan instead of a whole new compact. This saves money and lets me reuse the packaging.

I like light formulas because I don’t have much to cover on my face. If you want something fresh and hydrating with a serum-like feel, try this concealer. It gives natural coverage and keeps the under-eye area looking healthy, while still covering what you need. It’s a great everyday option, especially if you need to reapply during the day.

This is one of my favorites because it gives skin a healthy, radiant glow that isn’t too matte or too shiny. It really looks like natural skin. This premium, multi-use product works as both makeup and skincare, adding a sheer, natural color to your lips and cheeks. It’s a great two-in-one that keeps your routine simple.

I’ve worked as a makeup artist for 25 years, but I’m one of those artists who rarely wear much makeup. So when I do, it feels like a big effort! That’s why I choose products that are easy to use, versatile, and make a real difference without too many steps.

This liquid highlighter gives skin a radiant, glowing look without being glittery or too sparkly. It blends smoothly into the skin, adding a subtle, luminous glow that looks natural. I really love products that enhance your features without looking obvious. It’s also very versatile and lightweight, so you can blend it over makeup or mix it into your liquid foundation.

This retractable eyebrow pencil is popular, affordable, and of good quality. It’s beginner-friendly and lets you create precise, hair-like strokes for natural-looking brows. It’s long-lasting and smudge-proof. The creamy formula helps you fill in brows with fine strokes, and the spoolie on the other end blends color and shapes your brows.

This Japanese mascara is a cult favorite because it lasts all day. It keeps lashes curled, even in hot and humid weather, and resists smudging, flaking, and transferring. It’s a great choice for everyday wear if you want your lashes to stay lifted and defined. There are two formulas: Super Waterproof for maximum hold, and Advanced Film, which is easier to remove with warm water and cleanser.

If you don’t like mascara, try these pre-glued, press-on cluster lashes. You can apply them at home with no glue, no mess, and no salon visit needed. Just place them under your natural lashes for a seamless look. You can also mix and match different lengths and rows for anything from a natural style to dramatic volume, like cat-eye or doll-eye. They’re lightweight, flexible, comfortable to wear all day, and very affordable.

I love products that are easy to use because they save time and make my routine simple. This matte cream contour is easy to apply and blend, creating natural-looking shadows that define your face without looking shiny or heavy. The smooth, velvety formula glides on easily and blends well with fingers, a sponge, or a brush. It’s dermatologically tested and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores and works for all skin types.

If you want to elevate your usual everyday makeup, this is what I use to finish my look. It gives lips a glossy, cushiony finish without being too sticky. You can wear it alone for shine, over lip liner, or even as an overnight treatment. At around ₱495, it’s a more affordable alternative to the Rhode lip treatment, giving you the same glossy, hydrating, and plumping effect for less.

I’ve used K-Palette for over ten years, and it’s still my most trusted eyeliner brand—a real staple in my kit! They have both liquid and pencil eyeliners, so you can pick what suits your style. The Liquid Eyeliner has a super-fine 0.1mm brush tip, perfect for sharp wings, precise lines, and defined eyes, with rich color and a clean finish. The pencil version has a soft, creamy retractable tip that’s easy to blend, great for smoky looks, tightlining, or soft everyday definition, and it comes with a built-in blending sponge. Both formulas stay put, making them great for daily use.